Miscellaneous

We invite you to participate in a research study conducted by doctoral students Alysia Cole, Rachel Higdon, Kristin Lidvall, and Amanda Woodall, and faculty members Dr. Yvette Hachtel and Dr. Christine Manville from the School of Occupational Therapy at Belmont University. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of persons with acquired spinal cord injuries regarding their inpatient rehabilitation experience. You are eligible to participate in this study if 1) you are at least 18 years of age, 2) have acquired a spinal cord injury, 3) have not been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, and 4) are no more than three years post inpatient rehabilitation.

Participation in this study requires that you complete an online survey, which will take approximately 1-2 hours of your time. Participation is completely voluntary. Although the results of this study may be published or discussed in professional settings, your identity will remain confidential. If you feel uncomfortable answering some questions you may skip the question. 

The completion of the questionnaire will indicate your consent to participate in this study. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have about the study or consent process. Our contact information is listed below. 

To participate in the study, please click on the following link. You will have until March 16, 2011 to submit your completed survey. Thank you for your support.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/perceptionsofpersonwithSCI

Alysia Cole – alysia.cole@pop.belmont .edu

Rachel Higdon – rachel.higdon@pop.belmont .edu

Kristin Lidvall – kristin.lidvall@pop.belmont .edu

Amanda Woodall – amanda.woodall@pop.belmont .edu

Christine Manville – (615) 460-6701; christine.manville@belmont.edu

Yvette Hachtel – (615)460-6703; yvette.hachtel@belmont.edu

On February 27, Wolf Wolfensberger, a dear friend and mentor to many, passed away.  Dr. Wolfensberger spent much of his professional energy evaluating services to people with developmental disabilities and their families.  He is the originator of the Citizen Advocacy concept, author of Social Role Valorization theory and a primary figure in the Normalization reform movement in the U.S. and abroad. 

Since 1973, Dr. Wolfensberger had been a professor in the School of Education at Syracuse University.  His enormous contributions to the disability community will be felt for generations to come. Calling hours will be held Friday, March 4, 2011, at 10 a.m. ET at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 259 E. Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.

To learn more and read a memorial to Dr. Wolfensberger.

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), the federal oversight agency for the Developmental Disabilities Act is keeping their "Envision the Future" web site up and accepting public comment until MARCH 4th.

The ADD is looking for input from people with developmental disabilities, parents and family members, advocates, self advocates and professionals that will assist them in setting priorities over the next several years.

ADD has been asking people to specifically describe their vision of the future for individuals with developmental disabilities.  ADD is accepting everything from short, paragraphs and position statements to multi-page research papers that individuals upload. Any length. Please
refer to www.envision2010.net/others.php for examples.

When you look at the comments shared so far, you will find a wide range of comments, the vast majority of which are aligned with the DD Act. However, there are some comments that seem to be in conflict with the values and principles of the DD Act.

It is always important to have a well rounded picture when gathering input, so it is important to get the word out about this opportunity to give written testimony  to the ADD

The website for submitting your testimony/position statement is:  www.envision2010.net/comment_submit.php